The future between Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams is up in the air, with both sides facing important decisions. While it appears likely that Stafford will remain with the Rams for at least one more season, nothing is guaranteed at this point. Stafford is set to earn $23 million next season, which could present financial challenges for the team.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, a major factor in Stafford’s future with the Rams will be the need for a contract renegotiation. Rapoport reports that if Stafford is to return to Los Angeles, the two sides will likely have to rework his deal to accommodate the team’s salary cap situation. This suggests that the Rams may not be willing to pay Stafford his full contract amount without adjustments.
Despite this uncertainty, Stafford showed during the 2024 NFL season that he still has plenty of football left to play. He appeared in 16 games, completing 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also led the Rams to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level. At 36 years old, Stafford is entering the latter stages of his career, and while he can still play effectively, his time at the top is limited.
The Rams face a difficult decision: whether to stick with Stafford for another season or consider a new direction. Given Stafford’s age and the team’s long-term outlook, a shift at quarterback may be on the horizon, but the timeline for such a change remains unclear. If the Rams choose not to rework Stafford’s contract or if other teams show interest, Stafford could find himself playing elsewhere in the near future.
Ultimately, the Rams and Stafford’s future will be determined in the offseason, as both sides weigh their options. If Stafford does not return to Los Angeles, other NFL teams could potentially make a move to acquire him, depending on the situation. The coming months will be crucial in determining what lies ahead for the veteran quarterback.